Foundation in Graphic Arts is a full-time program covering the principles, techniques, and methods of graphic arts.
This is a comprehensive 1-year program giving students an in-depth preparation in drawing, as well as etching techniques, and materials. Projects are of mixed length to develop core manual and observational skills alongside developing individual intuition. Pencil, charcoal, sanguine, ink (drawing and printing) will all be explored. Classes are predominantly practical and studio based, the course also incorporates seminars, lectures (anatomy and art history) and guided museum visits. This course teaches basic skills and techniques in order to gain visual literacy and hand-eye coordination. The course is taught by FAA Principal Instructors and supervised by the Program Coordinator.
The overall aim of the program is for students to acquire key techniques to support individual artistic development in drawing; a skill considered fundamental to reach excellence in painting, sculpture, or other art forms. Students explore three-dimensional form and confront the human figure (life drawing, portrait, self-portrait) to produce varied works from short sketches, through to fully resolved representations using different media. They will be taught to break down the complex task of learning to draw from life into gradual steps through the completion of several projects, and will be required to attend an Anatomy course throughout their study to deepen their understanding of the structure of the human form. These weekly anatomy classes are part of the Florence Academy’s accredited curriculum for Drawing and Painting.
A series of guided visits to the Museums of Florence will also allow students to understand the value of the city of Florence as an extension of the classroom. They will gain an understanding of the role and meaning of disegno as a living characteristic of Florence and will learn how to interact with historical works of art to guide and inspire their own practice.
After successful completion of the 1-year Foundation in Graphic Arts students will have completed all anatomy lectures of the 3 Year Drawing and Painting Program, and completed a number of key objectives of the Intensive Drawing Program. At the end of the program students that have successfully completed all projects have the opportunity of a Priority Application Review if they wish to apply to the 3-year full time program in Drawing & Painting at the school. Interested students will be reviewed during final critiques for possible placement opportunities. Possible advancement would also be considered to join the 3-year program; this may be from the 2nd or 3rd trimester of the 1st year, or, depending on level and experience, directly into year 2. Students interested in the 3-year Sculpture Certificate Program will also be considered during the Priority Application Review.
Additional Information
As well as supporting individual artistic development, the course is also suitable as a foundation study program to support further progression at undergraduate level, or more advanced atelier level training. Students who complete the 1-year program in Graphic Arts will receive a document of attendance and transcript from The Florence Academy of Art. Please note, The Florence Academy does not offer a BA or BFA degree, or university credits. Credits may however be expressed in relation to the completed hours of study. The Florence Academy of Art expresses the foundation coursework in credits to the equivalent of 1 credit for 20 hours of completed study. These are not university credits. If you are looking to move onto an undergraduate, graduate other study program after the 1-year course, please do first check with the university or institution that you want to apply with to be sure if they will accept the FAA document of attendance.
The Florence Academy of Art is an accredited member of the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD), the United States accrediting body of independent schools of art recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For our listing on the NASAD website, please click here. For more information on credits and further study please contact the Registrar.
Medium & Materials
Students will explore various mediums and materials including pencil, charcoal, sanguine, ink (both for drawing and printing), and other relevant materials required for the projects.
Students receive a list of materials required for the course in their acceptance email. Unless indicated, materials are not included in the tuition fee and may be purchased in advance and at a discounted rate directly from the Florentine art supply store, Zecchi.
What is included
- Instruction in English
- Individual critiques
- Comprehensive studio-based classes
- Seminars and lectures on Anatomy and Art History
- Guided museum visits
- Discounted art supplies
- Extended access to the studios and school facilities after class until 9 pm
- Access to the on-campus FAA Cafe where students may purchase breakfast, lunch and enjoy an afternoon aperitivo
- List of housing recommendations
Dates & Schedule
Academic Year 2024-2025: September 30, 2024 – June 13, 2025 (Closed enrollment)
Fall Trimester 2024: September 30 – December 6
Winter Trimester 2025: January 7 – March 14
Spring Trimester 2025: April 7 – June 13
Academic Year 2025-2026 TBA in November.
Class Times: 9am – 4pm Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday. Thursdays are dedicated to individual studio lab time 9am – 4pm / museum visits.
Anatomy classes: Monday evenings 5pm
Art History lectures: Friday evenings from 5:30pm
Museum visits: A series of guided visits (schedule communicated at the start of each term)
Tuition
Euro 15.000
Deposit: € 1.000,00 due within 7 days to secure place (non – refundable)
1st Installment: € 5.500,00 due by June 1, 2024
2nd Installment: € 5.500,00 due by November 1, 2024
3rd Installment: € 3.000,00 due by February 1, 2025
Location
ADDRESS: Via Aretina 293, Florence, Italy